What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an increasingly common disorder that may affect up to 1 in 200 children. When someone with celiac diseases consumes gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley), their intestinal immune system activates, causing inflammation in the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, growth delay, delayed menstruation, and iron deficiency anemia. Some children have no symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in children is important due to its potential to affect growth and development.
 

Why Choose Us?

Connecticut Children’s Celiac Disease Program is staffed by pediatric gastroenterologists with extensive experience diagnosing and managing celiac disease. Additionally, our team includes dietitians who provide outstanding education and counseling to support children and their families with managing this disorder. As celiac disease is a lifelong condition, we provide long-term continuity of care. 
 

Treatments 

Today, celiac disease is managed by following a 100% gluten-free diet. After diagnosis, our team educates patients and families on strategies to avoid food containing gluten. 

Our Team

Logan Jerger, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterologist

Sarita Singhal, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterologist
William, 16, diagnosed with celiac disease by Connecticut Children's gastroenterologist

Beyond Celiac Disease: William's Story

William’s family hadn’t been looking for celiac disease. They’d been looking for answers about why William wasn’t growing at the same pace as his classmates. But when his pediatrician ran a blood panel to check for hormone issues, they found signs of celiac disease instead...

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Resources for Patients & Families

Did you know some medications include gluten? It's not common, but drug manufacturers aren't required to list gluten on their labels. Beyond Celiac and Gluten-Free Drugs offer helpful resources to identify if a medication you have been prescribed may include gluten.